Australian engineered stone ban is now officially in effect

World-first ban took effect this week

Australia's landmark engineered stone ban officially took effect on the 1st of July this week, aiming to safeguard workers from silicosis, a severe lung disease caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Details of the ban

The ban prohibits the manufacture, supply, processing, and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs across all states and territories in Australia. However, it allows controlled processing of previously installed stone for removal, repair, or minor modification, as well as for disposal purposes.

This proactive measure acknowledges the significant health risks posed by working with engineered stone, ensuring that workers and the broader community are protected from the harmful effects of respirable crystalline silica dust generated during stone processing with power tools.

How will the ban be implemented in each state and territory?

Implemented under each state and territory's work health and safety laws, the ban represents a collaborative effort among WHS ministers and stakeholders.

The engineered stone ban came into effect on 1 July 2024 in most jurisdictions, however details of the ban may be specific to your jurisdiction. Visit the jurisdictions page on the engineered stone Safe Work Australia website to find out more.

Work health and safety regulators manage the laws about work health and safety for your state or territory.

Upcoming ban enforcement alert for South Australia

SafeWork SA recently announced it will be conducting snap inspections at stone business to enforce compliance with the new ban. Businesses that violate these new laws may face fines of up to $42,000, while individual workers or managers could be fined up to $8,400 for non-compliance.

The campaign will include on-site inspections to ensure safety and education of new requirements. Permitted work will include minor modifications, repair, and removal of stone installed before the ban, with fines up to $25,000 for businesses and $5,000 for individuals failing to notify SafeWork SA.

Transitional arrangements in South Australia allow contracts related to engineered stone installations made on or before December 31, 2023, to be completed by December 31, 2024. Additionally, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, South Australia will waive waste levies for engineered stone disposal. For more details click here.

Comments from Marie Boland

Marie Boland, CEO of Safe Work Australia, emphasised the ban's importance:

“It’s an historic moment for work health and safety in Australia which will save lives."

“The ban will protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause irreversible lung damage."

Further resources

There are resources available to assist PCBUs understand the engineered stone ban. Guidance can be found here.

For further details and resources, visit Safe Work Australia's engineered stone ban website.

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Sources

World-first engineered stone ban is now in effect to protect workers by Safe Work Australia, 1st July, 2024.

Resources to assist PCBUs understand the engineered stone ban by Safe Work Australia, 2nd July, 2024.

Snap inspections and fines warning for engineered stone ban by Safe Work South Australia, 3rd July, 2024.

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